Written Answers Nos. 611-639
611. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of council mortgages drawn down in 2021 in each council administrative area; the average amount of the loan drawn down; the percentage which these drawdowns represent of loans approved in 2021; and the percentage which these drawdowns represent of loans applied for in 2021, in tabular form. [19463/22]
View answerMy Department regularly publishes information on the number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Local authority approval means that an official letter of offer has been sent to a borrower (and therefore relates to a specific property and loan amount).
Local Authority drawdowns, approvals, average drawdowns, and average approvals for 2021 is available at the following link, under the folder name 'Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan 2018 to date':
www.gov.ie/en/collection/42d2f-local-authority-loan-activity/#local-authority-loans-approvedpaid.
612. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of active housing assistance payment tenancies in each local authority at the end of each year from 2014 to 2021, in tabular form. [19464/22]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is available to all eligible households throughout the State. At the end of Q4 2021, over 100,000 HAP tenancies had been set-up since the scheme commenced, of which there were more than 61,900 households actively in receipt of HAP support and over 33,000 separate landlords and agents providing accommodation to households supported by the scheme.
The table below shows the number of active HAP tenancies in each local authority at the end of each year, from 2015 to 2021 (only 485 tenancies were active at end 2014).
|
Local Authority |
Active HAP Tenancies Q4 2015 |
Active HAP Tenancies Q4 2016 |
Active HAP Tenancies Q4 2017 |
Active HAP Tenancies Q4 2018 |
Active HAP Tenancies Q4 2019 |
Active HAP Tenancies Q4 2020 |
Active HAP Tenancies Q4 2021 |
|
Carlow |
106 |
435 |
581 |
706 |
730 |
743 |
695 |
|
Cavan |
|
|
131 |
275 |
342 |
429 |
463 |
|
Clare |
236 |
955 |
1,193 |
1,335 |
1,369 |
1,423 |
1,347 |
|
Cork City |
111 |
984 |
1,625 |
2,063 |
2,749 |
3,133 |
3,185 |
|
Cork County |
900 |
1,774 |
2,647 |
3,339 |
3,431 |
3,722 |
3,650 |
|
Donegal |
492 |
1,317 |
1,627 |
1,729 |
1,805 |
1,833 |
1,792 |
|
* Dublin City |
56 |
831 |
3,429 |
6,331 |
9,368 |
12,423 |
14,589 |
|
DLR |
|
|
165 |
388 |
562 |
735 |
917 |
|
Fingal |
|
|
488 |
1,286 |
1,898 |
2,089 |
2,565 |
|
Galway City |
|
332 |
919 |
1,351 |
1,723 |
1,951 |
1,918 |
|
Galway County |
7 |
379 |
728 |
981 |
1,229 |
1,428 |
1,491 |
|
Kerry |
|
7 |
427 |
898 |
1,236 |
1,623 |
1,708 |
|
Kildare |
32 |
786 |
1,436 |
1,892 |
2,195 |
2,398 |
2,320 |
|
Kilkenny |
498 |
717 |
836 |
869 |
867 |
854 |
774 |
|
Laois |
|
|
316 |
657 |
888 |
982 |
929 |
|
Leitrim |
|
3 |
95 |
208 |
254 |
293 |
285 |
|
Limerick City & County |
1,056 |
1,526 |
1,948 |
2,175 |
2,308 |
2,442 |
2,425 |
|
Longford |
|
1 |
128 |
291 |
330 |
379 |
377 |
|
Louth |
641 |
1,232 |
1,969 |
2,643 |
3,046 |
3,280 |
3,271 |
|
Mayo |
18 |
402 |
817 |
1,120 |
1,280 |
1,356 |
1,336 |
|
Meath |
14 |
485 |
1,220 |
1,740 |
2,089 |
2,275 |
2,210 |
|
Monaghan |
176 |
305 |
437 |
530 |
586 |
628 |
566 |
|
Offaly |
95 |
302 |
684 |
845 |
883 |
877 |
804 |
|
Roscommon |
|
|
171 |
354 |
421 |
468 |
443 |
|
Sligo |
9 |
203 |
467 |
648 |
758 |
831 |
834 |
|
South Dublin |
563 |
1,468 |
2,180 |
2,605 |
2,726 |
2,936 |
2,957 |
|
Tipperary |
188 |
1,018 |
1,633 |
1,767 |
1,778 |
1,868 |
1,843 |
|
Waterford City & County |
655 |
1,027 |
1,605 |
1,833 |
1,952 |
2,127 |
2,009 |
|
Westmeath |
|
|
366 |
656 |
901 |
1014 |
975 |
|
Wexford |
|
1 |
536 |
1,020 |
1,377 |
1,613 |
1,518 |
|
Wicklow |
|
3 |
424 |
908 |
1,448 |
1,668 |
1,711 |
|
Total |
5,853 |
16,493 |
31,228 |
43,443 |
52,529 |
59,821 |
61,907 |
*DRHE is operating Homeless HAP on behalf of the four Dublin Local Authorities
613. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way that the approval process by his Department for approved housing body, capital advance leasing facility, Housing Finance Agency-funded social housing projects differs from the approved housing body and capital assistance scheme funded social housing projects and local authority Social Housing Investment Programme funded social housing new build projects. [19466/22]
View answer614. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the difference between his Department's approval process for local authority Social Housing Investment Programme construction social homes and local authority Social Housing Investment Programme turnkey social housing developments. [19467/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 613 and 614 together.
All funding provided to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to support social housing is made available by my Department through local authorities who, as the statutory housing authorities, are the decision makers in relation to the suitability of a proposed social housing project. Local authorities are required to evaluate that any social housing project, including those by AHBs, reflect housing need, that the properties comply with regulatory requirements and that the objectives of creating and maintaining sustainable communities are met.
In recent years, the main source of funding to AHBs for social housing delivery is through borrowings and support from local authorities through the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) and Payment and Availability (P&A) programme. AHBs enter into a P&A agreement with the local authority and make the relevant properties available for social housing.
Applications for P&A-CALF funding are made by AHBs directly to my Department, following a consultation with the local authority. The application to my Department normally consists of a completed application form and a financial model for the capital cost, income and operational costs projected over the P&A term.
As with all Exchequer-supported projects, my Department as sanctioning authority assesses each project proposal for suitability as determined by the local authority, value for money and compliance with the various requirements of the funding programme. On the financial aspects of a CALF application, the Housing Agency undertakes an independent assessment to analyse the capital costs, projected income and projected expenditure against a standard set of assumptions agreed with the Department. The appropriate level of CALF is determined by reference to a projected minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR). Debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR) is a measurement of the cash flow available to pay current debt obligations.
Detailed approval, payment and performance monitoring arrangements are in place across all Departmental funding arrangements, including those supporting AHB activity. Following approval, letters of sanction include detailed terms and conditions relating to payments, and onward payments to AHBs are issued to the local authority and Approved Housing Body. In the case of CALF and P&A supported projects, once approved, the local authority then enters into two agreements with the AHB, as follows:
- The P&A Agreement that will cover the conditions under which the properties will be made available for the term of the agreement; and
- A Capital Advance Agreement (CAA) that stipulates the terms and conditions on which the money is being made available from the State and also stipulates the repayment conditions.
All payments are made to AHBs by local authorities and my Department recoups these costs to local authorities.
Accelerated CALF payments may also be approved by the Department for projects including turnkey developments. The accelerated CALF can be applied to facilitate site purchases or stage payments to a developer, deposits for properties under construction or for sale and to facilitate the acquisition of homes requiring works. In such cases, the milestones may vary depending on the requirements of the project and will be set out by my Department in its approval letter. The local authority will seek an acknowledgement of the associated risk along with details on any mitigation measures to be taken by the AHB.
Social housing construction projects funded by my Department for local authorities under the Social Housing Investment Programme and for AHBs under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), must like all publicly-funded construction projects, comply with the Government’s Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF), the objectives of which are to ensure greater cost certainty, better value for money and financial accountability. To ensure alignment with the CWMF, these projects progress through a four stage approval process as part of the broader pre-construction process undertaken by the local authority. The four stages are:
Stage 1 – Capital Appraisal submission to establish the business case;
Stage 2 – Pre-planning submission and cost check;
Stage 3 – Pre-tender approval and cost check;
Stage 4 – Tender approval.
My Department and local authorities also operate a single-stage approval process for construction projects up to €6m in value, while Design and Build approaches are also used which can save time in relation to design, procurement and construction. The majority of local authority public housing projects are developed using public works contracts.
Local authorities also acquire social housing through a turnkey arrangement with developers through funding under the Social Housing Investment Programme. The Department’s approval procedure for turnkeys is generally a single stage evaluation and approval with submissions being made by way of a Capital Appraisal. Unlike the public works contract for a CWMF construction project, a turnkey contract can be a simple ‘Contract of Sale’. However, there are general procurement principles which apply and, in particular, the local authorities must comply with obligations for transparency and equal treatment, as well as clarifying for my Department‘s assessment and approval, that the turnkey proposal meets housing need, is suitable in terms of typology and sustainable community principles, is compliant with regulatory requirements and represents value for money.
I have recently published a new Design Manual for Quality Housing and also a Review of Pre-Construction Processes undertaken in cooperation with the local authority and AHB sectors. These recent initiatives are important in the work to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness and pace of delivery of social homes.
615. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing retrofits by local authority per year from 2016 to 2021; the average cost of the retrofit per home in each county for each year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19473/22]
View answer684. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority homes that received an energy retrofit in 2021 by local authority; the average cost per unit in each local authority for the retrofit; and the average contribution from his Department per unit in each local authority for the retrofit in tabular form. [20869/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 615 and 684 together.
My Department launched the Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme (EERP) in 2013 with the aim of funding the retrofit of social homes requiring insulation and energy upgrade works. Since the programme commenced in 2013 up to the end of 2021 over 75,000 units of social housing stock have been retrofitted with a total exchequer spend of €183 million under the scheme.
Up to 2020, the EERP was carried out in two Phases:
- Phase 1 of the programme provided funding targeted at the less intrusive cavity wall/attic insulation
- Phase 2 focused on fabric upgrade works to those dwellings with solid/hollow block wall construction and included the provision of heating upgrades.
The Phase 1 and Phase 2 approach to retrofitting is now withdrawn with the introduction in 2021 of a 'deeper' retrofit programme designed around the Programme for Government commitment that calls for the 'retrofit' of 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent (BER) standard by 2030, of which, approximately 36,500 are expected to be local authority owned homes.
Works eligible under the revised Programme include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation where required, windows and doors replacement, heat pump installation and ancillary and associated works.
Statistics in relation to this programme are published and available at the below link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/.
My Department also introduced a pilot Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme 2020-2022, the details of which are found below. This programme allowed for a further 146 properties to be deep retrofit in 2021 in addition to the National Retrofit Programme.
gov.ie - Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme - Expenditure and Units (www.gov.ie).
In 2022, the EERP will see a significant increase in funding support to €85 million, allowing approximately 2,400 homes nationally to be upgraded to a B2 or cost optimal equivalent (BER). Allocations have issued in this regard.
616. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the incremental purchase scheme revised arrangements will be in place in order that councils can process applications, as in the case of a council (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19474/22]
View answerThe Tenant Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme. Applicants must meet certain criteria, including minimum reckonable income and minimum time in receipt of social housing supports, to be eligible.
The Government has recently reduced the minimum reckonable income required under the scheme from €15,000 to €12,500. Similarly, the length of time an applicant must be in receipt of social housing supports to qualify under the scheme has also been revised. This has been increased from one to ten years. These changes came into effect on 1 February 2022.
Applications received by local authorities prior to 1 February 2022 should be assessed with reference to the regulations and requirements in place at the time, with applications received after 1 February 2022 assessed in accordance with the new requirements.
Local authorities have been formally advised of the key changes and revised guidance will issue shortly.
618. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the length of time a house must be derelict to qualify for a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19508/22]
View answer647. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if restaurants are included in the new vacant commercial to residential scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20144/22]
View answer654. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when applications will be accepted for the grant scheme which was being developed to bring town centre properties and properties above existing shops back into use; if the details have been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20353/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 618, 647 and 654 together.
Housing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
The suite of measures under the pathway to addressing vacancy and efficient use of existing stock includes the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund which will be delivered by local authorities for the provision of serviced sites for housing, to attract people to build their own homes and to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, enabling people to live in small towns and villages, in a sustainable way.
The approach to the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is currently under consideration, including the scope and appropriate timeframes, and it is expected that a call for proposals will issue to local authorities shortly.
619. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will include an identifier for medical priority need and a separate identifier for wheelchair liveability need in the forthcoming annual housing needs assessment review undertaken by each local authority and subsequently published as the summary of housing need by the Housing Agency (details supplied). [19516/22]
View answerMy Department introduced a revised social housing application form in March 2021 in consultation with the local authority sector. The application form already provided for applicants to identify housing requirements arising from a disability or medical condition, but now also includes an identifier for persons requiring 'wheelchair livable' accommodation.
The Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) includes breakdowns by local authority across multiple categories, including those whose main need for social housing support is due to a disability, medical or compassionate grounds. The SSHA also provides a breakdown of any specific accommodation requirements that households may have under four main headings; physical, intellectual, sensory and mental health.
There is currently no separate breakdown of wheelchair users in the SSHA who have specific accommodation requirements. That said, a SSHA project is currently underway in collaboration with the LGMA and the Housing Agency. The project is examining inter alia how the data captured aligns with changes made to the social housing application form, including in respect of 'wheelchair livable'. This work will be completed before the 2022 SSHA exercise commences.
620. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to amend part M of the technical guidance documents of the building regulations to include wheelchair liveability guidance and guidance for universal design plus and universal design plus. [19517/22]
View answer646. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if discussions are expected to review and amend the current inadequate building regulations Part M 2010 to include guidance for fully wheelchair-liveable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20110/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 620 and 646 together.
The Building Regulations apply to the design and construction of all new buildings (including dwellings) and to certain works to existing buildings. They are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation.
The Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010), which came into effect on 1 January 2012, set out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access and use.
The accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010), sets out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access. The TGDs are available on my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/78e67-technical-guidance-document-m-access-and-use/#current-edition
The requirements of Part M aim to ensure that regardless of age, size or disability:
- new buildings other than dwellings are accessible and usable;
- extensions to existing buildings other than dwellings are, where practicable, accessible and useable;
- material alterations to existing buildings other than dwellings increase the accessibility and usability of existing buildings, where practicable;
- certain changes of use to existing buildings other than dwellings increase the accessibility and usability of existing buildings where practicable; and
- new dwellings are visitable.
Part M aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. While the Part M requirements may be regarded as a statutory minimum level of provision, the accompanying technical guidance encourages building owners and designers to have regard to the design philosophy of universal design and to consider making additional provisions where practicable and appropriate.
Since 2011 housing for disabled people has been addressed in a dedicated joint Strategy between the Department and the Department of Health. A new joint National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 was launched on 14 January 2022.
The new Strategy sets out the vision for the cooperation and collaboration of Government Departments, state agencies and others in delivering housing and the related supports for disabled people over the next five years. This new Strategy will operate within the framework of Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland which is committed to ensuring access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system, including the aim to deliver appropriately designed and specified housing for disabled and older people in line with the vision and principles of universal design. Preparation of an Implementation Plan is already underway with a target for completion by the second quarter of 2022.
621. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if exemptions will be provided to persons to access a local authority loan scheme who have changed their marriage status and have undergone a legal marriage separation and have a maintenance commitment for their ex-spouse and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19523/22]
View answerThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. It is the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
A ‘Fresh Start’ principle applies for applications to State affordable housing and the Local Authority Home Loan, for applicants who are divorced, legally separated/separated or the relationship has ended and have no financial interest in the family home. In recognition of such instances an exemption to the First Time Buyer eligibility criteria can be applied under the Fresh Start Principle for the following category of persons to apply for the Local Authority Home Loan:
- Applicant(s) that previously purchased or built a residential property, but is legally separated or divorced and has left the property and divested themselves of their interest in the property; and
- Applicant(s) that previously purchased or built a residential property but has been divested of this through insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, are eligible to apply. However, a separate assessment of creditworthiness will be conducted by the underwriters.
There is no prohibition on formerly married persons, who are paying maintenance, from applying for a Local Authority Home loan. However, their maintanance commitments need to be taken into account when calculating their repayment capacity and creditworthiness. Where either party to a mortgage application is separated or divorced, the following maintenance commitment details should be supplied with the application:
- The extent of maintenance being received or paid by the applicant.
- The circumstances under which the maintenance payments can cease.
The final decision regarding the Local Authority Home Loan application is made by the relevant Local Authority Credit Committee on a case by case basis.
Further details can be found on localauthorityhomeloan.ie/
622. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the details of the name, salary, position and roles of persons who are being paid for by his Department for secondment to another public, private or semi-private entity, in tabular form, following the announcement that the salary of a person (details supplied) being seconded to Trinity College, Dublin will be paid by the Department of Health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19552/22]
View answerThere are two members of staff who are seconded to another body and whose salaries are covered in full by my Department.
One member of staff at the grade of Assistant Principal is seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and serves in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels. Their role is to represent my Department across a range of functions pertaining to my Ministerial responsibilities.
The second staff member is a Services Officer, and they are seconded to the secretariat of the Civil Service General Council Staff Panel.
Both of these staff are paid at the appropriate pay scale for their grade. The Department carries the salary cost of these two staff members in line with the long-standing arrangements pertaining to their particular secondments.
623. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit run apprenticeship programmes or are directly engaged in the training of apprentices; if so, the number of apprentices involved; the specialities in which they are being trained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19587/22]
View answerMy Department is not directly engaged in the training of apprentices at present. In recent years we have participated in cross Departmental apprenticeship programmes run by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in the area of ICT and also in cooperation with Accounting Technicians Ireland in respect of apprentices in that discipline.
The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email addresses for each agency are set out in the table below.
|
State Body |
Contact E-mail Address |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@valoff.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
624. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration can be made for areas such as Ballymun, Dublin with a high percentage of social housing and in which there is a need to provide more home ownership if the affordable housing fund can be increased beyond €100,000 given that there is a real danger with upcoming affordable housing schemes in the area that the price will be outside that which persons can actually afford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19598/22]
View answerThe Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes over the next decade for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing. 54,000 affordable home interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the schemes set out in the Affordable Housing Act, 2021 and the funding being made available, will be underpinned by local authorities' Housing Delivery Action Plans. Local authorities including Dublin City Council submitted initial affordable plans to me in December 2021. Preparation of these Plans allowed each local authority to assess the level of demand with affordability constraint in their area based on a Housing Need and Demand Assessment and plan provision accordingly.
The Plan is being revised and updated by Dublin City Council in the light of ongoing engagement and clarifications, and my Department expects that it will be ready for publication before the Summer. The Plan will provide a comprehensive overview of projected delivery of affordable housing across Dublin City, including in Ballymun.
My Department understands that Dublin City Council anticipate delivery of affordable housing on a number of sites in the Ballymun area. Affordable purchase schemes planned for Balbutcher and Sillogue are in early planning stages.
The current maximum funding amount available to Local Authorities under the Affordable Housing Fund is €100,000 per unit, for schemes which have a net density of over 50 dwellings per hectare in cities designated under the National Planning Framework. This is a 100% increase on the maximum funding amount under the previous local authority affordable housing funding scheme (the Serviced Sites Fund) which was €50,000 per unit. This significant increase in funding was approved by Government in 2021.
625. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons employed by his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department with a rate of pay below the living wage of €12.30; the role that those persons occupy within his Department or relevant body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19632/22]
View answerThere are 6 members of staff employed in my Department with a rate of pay below the living wage of €12.30. These staff are employed on a part-time basis in the National Parks and Wildlife Service under an joint agreement with Ability West, a non-profit organisation who provide services and supports to adults with an intellectual disability.
My Department does not hold the requested information in respect of the State Bodies under its aegis. These State Bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the table below.
|
State Body |
Contact E-mails |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
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626. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of his plans to develop section 28 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable and Compact Settlement Guidance; if it will be compliant with the design manual for urban roads and streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19641/22]
View answerStatutory ‘Section 28’ ministerial guidelines for planning authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (the ‘Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines’) were last issued in 2009, having been first introduced in 1999.
Further related guidance has been subsequently issued in the form of the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, most recently in 2020, the Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities in 2018, the Local Area Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities in 2013 and the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) in 2013.
While the principles, approaches and general requirements of the Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines continue to be applicable to the objectives of the National Planning Framework (NPF) for the development of compact, sustainable and liveable settlements, it is timely that the guidance is updated to take account of more varied development contexts and given the emphasis that the NPF places on tailored, plan-led and design-focused compact growth.
My Department is currently undertaking a practical and targeted review to update the Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines with new Sustainable and Compact Settlement Guidelines (SCSG). A preliminary draft of the new SCSGs is being prepared for the purposes of screening for Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Following the completion of the AA/SEA processes, the Draft SCSGs will be placed on display for a focused period of public consultation. It is envisaged that this will happen in mid-2022. Submissions made during the public consultation period will be reviewed and where appropriate and necessary, amendments will be made to the published Draft. Thereafter, the draft guidelines will be submitted to the Minister for approval. The final Guidelines will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS), was jointly launched by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in 2013. DMURS sets out design measures and standards for urban roads and in order to support and encourage more sustainable travel patterns and to put well designed streets at the heart of sustainable communities. The manual is mandatory for urban roads and streets within the 60 km/h urban speed limit zone (with some limited exceptions). The proposed Sustainable & Compact Settlement Guidelines, will be concerned with the delivery of compact and sustainable forms of urban development more generally. However, due to the interrelated nature of the guidance the DMURS guidance will be reflected in the updated Sustainable & Compact Settlement Guidelines.
627. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends introducing a means-tested housing repair grant similar to the housing aid for older people scheme for persons living in private houses who are under 65 years of age to assist in refurbishing substandard housing or building an extension in cases in which the house is overcrowded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19642/22]
View answerMy Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to support the Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability schemes. These grants schemes are available to assist eligible applicants living in privately owned homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs to remain living independently in their own homes.
My Department has no plans to develop a grant scheme as outlined. However, my colleague Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment recently published the National Retrofit Plan, as part of the Climate Action Plan, which sets out ambitious plan for the retrofitting of a significant number homes by the end of 2030.
628. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the guidance he intends to issue to local authorities for the forthcoming mid-term review of the Traveller Accommodation Programme; if he plans to request the local authorities to consider the content and recommendations of the Irish Equality and Human Rights Commissions Equality review of the Traveller Accommodation Programmes in the context of the guidance he intends to issue to local authorities for the forthcoming mid-term review of the programmes; and if he will include specific reference in councils mid-term reviews to the issues highlighted by the Commission. [19649/22]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
I understand that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission engaged directly with each local authority in connection with the equality reviews it undertook in 2019. I expect that local authorities will have full regard to the relevant work of all key stakeholders as part of the mid-term review of the TAPs including that of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. My Department will be communicating with local authorities on the mid-term review of the TAPs shortly.
629. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a review of his housing plan is currently under way; when the review was agreed; the terms of office; the person or body involved in the review; and when the review will be concluded and its outcome published. [19718/22]
View answerHousing for All: A New Housing Plan for Ireland (September 2021) is a whole-of-Government Plan, and includes a detailed set of actions, across each of the four pathways to a sustainable, housing system. Each action has an agreed delivery timeframe and is assigned a lead actor with responsibility for implementation.
In terms of progress to date, of a total 213 actions in Housing for All, 135 have now either been completed or are being delivered on an ongoing basis. Importantly, a comprehensive implementation and reporting framework is well established to assess how the actions under Housing for All are working. This implementation framework includes political oversight, via the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Housing, the Housing for All Secretary General Delivery Group, and dedicated Workstreams, all of which monitor delivery of the Plan and recommend adjustment to priorities, as required, on an ongoing basis. To date, three detailed quarterly progress reports have been published and can be accessed on the dedicated Housing for All webpage,www.gov.ie/en/collection/9d2ee-housing-for-all-quarterly-progress-reports/#
In line with action 30.7, the Plan will be updated on an annual basis, including timelines, and responsibilities, to sustain momentum on delivery during its lifetime. The first review is due for completion by end Q4 2022, and will be published thereafter. It will be completed by my Department, in close cooperation with the Department of the Taoiseach.
630. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the progress of the report of the independent Working Group on Defective Homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19737/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area of addressing building defects. It commits to an examination of defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing’s report "Safe as Houses?". Housing for All, the Government’s national plan on housing to 2030, reiterates this commitment.
In this regard, I established a working group to examine defects in housing. This working group has been meeting monthly since March 2021 (except for August). In addition, regular subgroup meetings take place to advance elements of the work.
The group’s terms of reference, adopted in May 2021, are focused on fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The full terms of reference of the Working Group are to:
1. Examine defects in housing having regard to the recommendations in Item 4 “Addressing the legacy of bad building and poor regulation” in Chapter 4 of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government report - ‘Safe as Houses? A Report on Building Standards, Building Controls and Consumer Protection’.
2. Establish the nature of significant, wide-spread fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 – 2013 in Ireland through consultation with affected homeowners, homeowner representative organisations, owners’ management companies, relevant managing agents, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, industry stakeholders, insurance providers, mortgage providers and other relevant parties. Including such matters as:
- Identification and description of defect,
- Nature of defect – design, product, workmanship,
- Non-compliance with building regulations or actual damage,
- Severity/risk to life or serviceability of dwelling,
- Period of construction affected,
- Type of dwelling affected,
- Location of dwellings affected.
3. Establish the scale of the issue – estimate number of dwellings affected by the defects identified including those already remediated.
4. Consider a methodology for the categorisation of defects and the prioritisation of remedial action.
- In the case of defects with fire safety implications, consider how the framework for enhancing fire safety in dwellings can be applied to mitigate the risks arising from fire safety defects pending the remediation of defects and the Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessment of Premises and Buildings, which is currently being developed by National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management.
5. Suggest mechanisms for resolving defects, in the context of the legal rights, duties and obligations of developers, builders, building professionals, insurers, mortgage providers, building control authorities, fire authorities, owners’ management companies, owner occupiers, renters and landlords, including:
- Technical options for the remediation of dwellings,
- Efficient means of carrying out work,
- individual dwellings or whole building approach,
- routine maintenance/refurbishment or remediation,
- Structures or delivery channels needed to facilitate resolution – advice and support.
6. Evaluate the potential cost of technical remediation options.
7. Pursue options on possible financial solutions to effect a resolution, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to identify options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance.
8. Report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Examination of Defects in Housing.
As part of its deliberations, the working group is consulting with a wide range of relevant stakeholders. As part of this stakeholder engagement, the Working Group conducted a series of online surveys between 31 January and 14 March 2022 seeking the experiences of homeowners, landlords, Directors of Owners’ Management Companies and Property Management Agents. These submissions are currently being analysed.
The insights gained through engagement with stakeholders as well as the outcome of the online consultation are informing the ongoing deliberations of the Working Group and are supporting the delivery on its extensive terms of reference and finalisation of its report.
I am satisfied that the Working Group is working effectively and efficiently on this complex matter, and will require sufficient time to complete its work. In that context, I look forward to a report later this year following completion of their consultations and deliberations. Once I receive the report I will give full consideration to its contents.
631. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the salaries and expenses paid to advisers, Ministers and-or Ministers of State in his Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [19749/22]
View answerThe information requested is set out in the tables below.
1 January 2020 to 26 June 2020
|
Name |
Salary |
Expenses |
|
Minister Eoghan Murphy TD |
€40,053.25 |
€1,231.24 |
|
Minister of State Damien English TD |
€19,538.96 |
€8,094.08 |
|
Minister of State John Paul Phelan TD |
€19,538.96 |
€8,199.77 |
|
Jack O'Donnell - Special Adviser to the Minister |
€47,735.70 |
€5,496.44 |
|
Paul Melia - Special Adviser to the Minister |
€50,936.19 |
|
|
Total |
€177,803.06 |
€23,021.53 |
27 June 2020 to 31 December 2020
|
Name |
Salary |
Expenses |
|
Minister Darragh O'Brien TD |
€39,770.20 |
€4,461.55 |
|
Minister of State Peter Burke TD |
€18,976.19 |
€5,789.10 |
|
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan TD |
€18,976.19 |
€5,636.44 |
|
Ciara Shaughnessy - Special Adviser to the Minister |
€40,974.56 |
€1,024.65 |
|
Kevin Dillon - Special Adviser to the Minister |
€10,242.09 |
€1,042.02 |
|
Total |
€128,939.23 |
€17,953.76 |
01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021
|
Name |
Salary |
Expenses |
|
Minister Darragh O'Brien TD |
€81,006.75 |
€10,393.61 |
|
Minister of State Peter Burke TD |
€39,541.41 |
€14,856.40 |
|
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan TD |
€39,541.41 |
€14,348.67 |
|
Ciara Shaughnessy - Special Adviser to the Minister |
€91,444.43 |
€2,142.50 |
|
Kevin Dillon - Special Adviser to the Minister |
€106,211.84 |
€419.04 |
|
Hannah Hamilton - Special Advisor to the Minister of State |
€75,556.70 |
€6,351.05 |
|
Total |
€433,302.54 |
€48,511.27 |
01 January 2022 to 14 April 2022
|
Name |
Salary |
Expenses |
|
Minister Darragh O'Brien TD |
€25,280.16 |
€6,559.78 |
|
Minister of State Peter Burke TD |
€12,364.70 |
|
|
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan TD |
€12,364.70 |
€5,210.92 |
|
Ciara Shaughnessy - Special Adviser to the Minister |
€29,180.99 |
€1,678.74 |
|
Kevin Dillon - Special Adviser to the Minister |
€32,549.06 |
€556.40 |
|
Hannah Hamilton - Special Advisor to the Minister of State |
€25,107.93 |
€622.84 |
|
Total |
€136,847.54 |
€14,628.68 |
632. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that all the board members of An Bord Pleanála are in compliance with section 106 (13)(d)(ii) of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19782/22]
View answer633. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage his views on whether a board position is rendered untenable for breeches of section 106 (13)(d)(ii) of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19783/22]
View answer634. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage his views on whether, following reports in the media that a senior board member at An Bord Pleanála who failed to disclose interests which could have had a material impact on decision making, should be allowed to remain on the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19784/22]
View answer674. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if he has any concerns in relation to the conduct of members of An Bord Pleanála particularly with respect to conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest between their decisions with respect to strategic housing development applications and their private business interests. [20748/22]
View answer686. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if he has contacted An Bord Pleanála regarding media reports involving their deputy chairperson and a strategic housing development vote in Blackpool, Cork. [20915/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 632 to 634, inclusive, 674 and 686 together.
In relation to the questions posed, I can inform the deputies that I am aware of the allegations which have been made and understand that those allegations are denied by the Board member concerned.
A Senior Counsel is being appointed to provide a report to inform my consideration of the matter.
I also understand that the Office of the Planning Regulator has independently written to the Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála requesting him to outline the systems and procedures that An Bord Pleanála has in place to ensure effective compliance with the statutory duties provided for in Section 147 and 148 of the Act, and any other information he considers relevant.
An Bord Pleanála is independent in the performance of its functions under the Planning and Development Act.
Pending the outcome of these considerations, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
635. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a commitment will be given to ensure that a vote on a directly elected mayor in Galway takes place in 2024 at the same time as the next local elections as supported by Programme for Government given that Galway City Council unanimously passed a motion calling for a plebiscite vote on a directly elected mayor in Galway; and the preparations for same. [19837/22]
View answerThe General Scheme of the Local Government (Directly Elected Mayor with Executive Functions in Limerick City and County) Bill 2021, published in April 2021, contains provisions necessary to allow a local authority hold a plebiscite on the topic of directly elected mayor with executive functions for their administrative area, with the plebiscite to be held in tandem with the local government elections in 2024. These provisions, if enacted, would meet the general commitment regarding plebiscites in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future. Drafting of this lengthy and complex Bill is at an advanced stage. Its publication is a priority for the Department as soon as practicable this year.
636. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline all of the secondment arrangements within his Department; the conditions related to such secondments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19872/22]
View answer644. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons currently employed in his Department who have been seconded in from the public sector; the number of Departmental officials seconded where the monies are recouped from the body the person is seconded to or where the Department pays for the person with no recoupment from the other organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20064/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 636 and 644 together.
My Department currently hosts 13 staff on full time secondments from other public sector organisations, mostly from the Local Authority sector. As the receiving organisation my Department either pays the salaries of these staff directly or recoups their parent organisation for their salary costs. There are no secondments from the private sector into my Department.
7 staff are currently seconded from my Department to other organisations. The salaries of 5 of those staff are recouped to the Department by the receiving organisations.
In the other two cases, one member of staff at the grade of Assistant Principal is seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and serves in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels. Their role is to represent my Department across a range of functions pertaining to my Ministerial responsibilities.
The second staff member is a Services Officer, and they are seconded to the secretariat of the Civil Service General Council Staff Panel.
Both of these staff are paid at the appropriate pay scale for their grade. The Department carries the salary cost of these two staff members in line with the long-standing arrangements pertaining to their particular secondments.
While different conditions can apply to individual secondments depending on their particular circumstances my Department is guided by the advice issued to all Government Departments by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to secondments which is available at the following link - hr.per.gov.ie/en/corporate-pages/career/mobility/secondment/.
637. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if assurances will be given that his Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service species’ derogation considerations which are to inform any and all recommendations made by his Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to him for each species considered for control actions will have regard to all available evidence and will be subjected to the correct legal derogation decision threshold as specified in both a directive and the regulations (details supplied); if not, the other legal derogation decision threshold that will be used; and the full legal basis for same. [19960/22]
View answer638. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide copies of all the objective evidence that informed the derogation recommendations made to him under the 1979 Birds Directive Article 9.1.a and S.I. No. 477/2011, European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 section 55.2.a; the reason for the acceptance of each species that was considered for control action; the evidence that was rejected pertaining to each case; and the reason for rejection of same in each case (details supplied). [19961/22]
View answer639. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide copies of the evidence that underpinned the section 8 recommendation of the April 2020 First Interim Report by the Consultative Committee on urban gulls established by his predecessor in June 2019 to examine the impacts of urban gulls on communities and make recommendations (details supplied). [19962/22]
View answer640. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the two sets of expert legal advice that were obtained in August 2020 and February 2021 by his Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to provide expert legal advice to its Consultative Committee on urban gulls fully endorsed the committee’s recommendation in section 8 of the First Interim Report, April 2020 by the committee; if historical flaws in advice to Ministers have been fully addressed; if proportionate derogations as expertly advised for nest egg removals in the interests of public health and safety will be included in the 2022-2023 declarations in areas (details supplied) that are known to have rapidly escalating high-density breeding colonies of herring gulls. [19963/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 637 to 640, inclusive, together.
Work on the upcoming Wild Bird Declarations is ongoing. Minister O'Brien has extended the existing Wild Bird Declarations by a period of three months up to the end of July 2022. This will allow for the completion of the review of submissions received as part of the public consultation process, the receipt of legal advice and other internal discussions in relation to species included on the Declaration, including urban gulls.
Species are added to or removed from the derogations based on the best scientific data available at the time. As always, due regard will be given to all available evidence and the internal legal advice once it is received.
The first Interim Report of the Consultative Committee on Urban Gulls was written by the Chair of the Committee who circulated this to the Committee members and took their views on board when writing the recommendations. The copies of the two submissions made by the groups mentioned in Section 8 of the Interim Report can be made available to the Deputy.
